In this paper, the results of a systematic study on the solvent extraction
of rhodium with TBP in hydrochloric acid are given. The optimum extraction
conditions are as follows: The amount of added stannous chloride is four ti
mes that of Rh according to the mole ratio of Sn and Rh, the temperature of
complex reaction 60 degrees C, aging time 2 h, phase ratio 1:1, contact ti
me 5 min. A highly efficient method of stripping Rh from the loaded organic
phase of TBP is also proposed. The percentage of stripping may reach to 10
0% through one stage with 4 M hydrochloric acid containing chlorine. The me
chanism of extracting Rh(III) with the addition of stannous chloride is des
cribed and the reaction equation of extraction is deduced. (C) 1998 Elsevie
r Science B.V. All rights reserved.